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To: Gamecock
If you are referring to Calvinism, please allow me to gently set the record straight. We are often accused of not practicing evangelism. We take the Great Commission very seriously. Yes, we think that all events are predestined, but as far as the elect goes, we don't know who they are! It is out job as believers to spread the Word to all, so those who are meant to come to Christ hear the word through us. To us evangelism is actually very low stress, because the Holy Spirit does all the work, we just have to talk. I don't have to beat myself up if I don't "win" a soul. I've had people who I thought I've done a terrible job with, come to Christ. I've jokingly said that a room of circus chimps would have been just as effective, because the Holy Spirit was working on them. Conversely, I've done what I though was a great job, and not brought some to Christ, but if they watched the resurrection themselves, they would still not believe.

I speak as a Calvinist actively involved in evangelism through Campus Crusade.

Similarly, of the CCC staff I've gotten to know, there are three Calvinists, one Arminian, and two that I don't know.

So why would a Calvinist preach the gospel? Because if we don't, it doesn't hurt God, or the unbeliever. God can get someone else to do it. No, it harms only ourselves.

16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.
17 For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me.
18 What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.
-I Cor. 9:16-18 [NASB]
I've jokingly said that a room of circus chimps would have been just as effective, because the Holy Spirit was working on them. Conversely, I've done what I though was a great job, and not brought some to Christ, but if they watched the resurrection themselves, they would still not believe.

That's the attitude I try to pass on to those I've had the privilege to teach -- that it's not as high-stakes as they think.

40 posted on 04/24/2003 6:08:40 AM PDT by jude24 ("Facts? You can use facts to prove anything that's even REMOTELY true!" - Homer Simpson)
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To: jude24
So why would a Calvinist preach the gospel? Because if we don't, it doesn't hurt God, or the unbeliever. God can get someone else to do it. No, it harms only ourselves

Another good point! Never thought about it from that perspective.

41 posted on 04/24/2003 7:20:01 AM PDT by Gamecock (5 SOLAS)
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To: jude24
I am reading "Don't Waste Your Life" by John Piper. Uh oh, he is one of those Baptists...:) j/k

Anyway, John really stresses shining the light of Christ to the world every second of every day to spread Him to the lost.

It is an awesome book. And, it is written by a Calvinist (though one that does not accept our covenant theology's connection to baptism, but everything else is good).
72 posted on 12/26/2003 12:34:53 PM PST by rwfromkansas ("Men stumble over the truth, but most pick themselves up as if nothing had happened." Churchill)
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